Similar to Agathis dammara[].

Common Name: Dakua

General Information

Agathis macrophylla is a large evergreen tree with a broad canopy of massive, erect to horizontal branches; it can grow 30 - 40 metres tall. The bole can be 300cm in diameter[, ].
Dakua is a highly valued commercial timber species, and is also particularly valued for its resin. It is widely harvested from the wild and is also grown in plantations. It can be planted as an ornamental in large public spaces, including along roads. Due to its traditional importance, its long life span and increasing rarity, the plant is ideal for planting in village and schoolyards as a 'landmark' tree[].
There is a continuing decline in the population of this species due to logging and deforestation in at least some parts of its range. This situation is exacerbated by the near total lack of protected areas relevant to the species; only one fairly substantial reserve exists. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Southwest Pacific - Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands.

Habitat

A dominant component of lowland subtropical and tropical forests at elevations of 5 - 1,150 metres[]. An emergent tree in lowland to low montane tropical rainforest; usually growing in soils derived from volcanic rocks like basalt[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	30.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moister lowland tropics and subtropics, growing in areas where the rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year and is in the range of 1,900 - 6,000 mm[]. The mean annual temperature is in the range 25 - 28°c[]
Most commonly found on well structured, friable, and freely drained soils[]. Prefers a position in full sun or light shade[], it can also tolerate quite considerable shade, though growth will be greatly reduced[]. Young plants require sheltered, shady positions. The tree generally prefers basalt-derived clay loams and clays with a well developed upper humus layer. It has also been reported on coral limestone terraces and bordering mangrove vegetation[]. Tree growth is poor on compacted and waterlogged soils[]. Plants can withstand strong winds[]. Grows well in acid soils, tolerating a pH in the range 4.0 - 7.4[].
A long lived tree that can live for up to 1,000 years[]. It is fairly fast-growing tree, in favourable conditions, annual growth can reach about 1 - 1.5 metres[].
Young specimens have a vigorous taproot, whilst mature specimens have wide, spreading root systems that help stabilize soils on ridges and slopes[].
Trees start producing flowers when about 10 years old, the seed taking two years to mature[].
The use of selected, superior seed provenances (notably from Vanuatu) and good silviculture will enable the commercial production of timber and veneer in plantations on a 40 - 55-year rotation period[].
For introduction into areas outside of its natural range, it is important to inoculate seedlings with appropriate mycorrhizal fungi[].
From a plantation viewpoint, this species stands apart from most other members of the genus because of its ability to grow moderately fast and establish in open, sunny sites[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Tropical cyclones occur at periodic intervals in all parts of its range. Pacific kauri has an ability to withstand strong winds thereby acting as a wind break or barrier. In certain situations it is suited as boundary marker, due to size and longevity[].
The species is suitable for soil protection and binding in areas where long term stabilization of less stable soil profiles is needed. It has spreading root systems that help stabilize soils on ridges and slopes[].
The tree is mainly suitable as a long term top storey tree for more shade tolerant understory crops; however, wide-spaced plantings of less dense forms may provide light shade for a wider variety of crops[].

Other Uses

A resin, called 'resin of Fiji', is obtained from the trunk and is also dug from the ground (subfossil resin)[, ]. It is used in making varnishes, pottery glazing, and also for dying cloth black with the smoke obtained from burning it[].
The resin, produced from the living inner bark, was an important component of many varnishes and is still used mixed with synthetics. Commercial export of the resin was formerly practiced in Fiji but was prohibited in 1941, as no method could be found for tapping an economic yield of gum without endangering the life of the tree[].
The resin is traditionally used as canoe caulk, and the resin soot was used for tattoos[]. The resin has also been used for glazing pots[].
The resin has also been used for lighting and torches[].
Smoke residues of the burnt resin were traditionally used as a dye for the hair[].

The heartwood is pale cream to gold brown; the sapwood straw yellow to pale brown. The wood is finely grained, lustrous, uniform and easily worked. Damage from pinhole borers may occur in standing trees, while drywood termites and Anobium borers may cause damage in service. The wood is readily kiln dried with a medium shrinkage value. In service the timber is very stable. It is used in construction and is suitable for a wide range of end-uses including laboratory bench tops, vats, sauna baths, battery separators, weatherboards, bowls, novelties, handles, furniture, flooring, veneer, and boat building[, , ]. It has good peeling and gluing properties and is highly sought after for surface veneer[].

Its finely grained, pale, easily worked, and uniform timber is of major commercial importance with various high value end-uses, including furniture, handicrafts, veneer, boat building, light construction, and panelling[].

Propagation

Seed - no pre-treatment is required, and fresh, undamaged seeds germinate rapidly, commencing within 2 - 7 days (at 26°c and completed by 14 days[]. Sow in containers in light shade[]. Plant out seedlings after about 6 - 12 months when they are about 30cm tall[, ].
Cuttings of leading shoots[].

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